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Hurricane Marina Certified as Clean Marina

June 14, 2014

by:

By Mark Rankin, Nashville District

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District designated Hurricane Creek Marina at Center Hill Lake as a “Clean Marina” today during a ceremony recognizing the marina’s voluntary efforts to reduce water pollution and erosion in the Cumberland River watershed, and for promoting environmentally responsible marina and boating practices.

Maj. Brad Morgan, Nashville District deputy commander, helped raise a “Clean Marina” flag during the event that will fly and symbolize the commitment the marina is demonstrating in meeting the requirements of the program.

During the ceremony, Morgan briefly explained the seven major priorities and implementation aspects of the Clean Marina Program.

“This program is voluntary which promotes environmentally responsible marina and boating practices and your dedication to clean water and environmental stewardship in making this marina clean is appreciative and commendable,” said Morgan. “We are celebrating the designation of ‘Clean Marina’ status of this marina, and extend a special thanks to Hurricane Creek Marina Owner Alan Seilbeck and Marina Manager Bill Sloan for making the marina a world class facility.”

Tennessee State Rep. Terri Lynn Weaver from nearby Lancaster, Tenn., lives close to Center Hill Lake and often frequents the marina with her family. She sang the National Anthem and also praised the work of the staff to make the marina a state-of-the-art facility.

“Today is an important day for Hurricane Creek Marina because it signifies clean marina status and I commend you on this accomplishment,” said Weaver. “It is important that we as a team continue and educate the public about our preserving our water and environment.”

During the process of achieving “Clean Marina” status, Hurricane Creek’s Marina owner signed a pledge card committing to the ideals of controlling pollution and erosion. Then the facility managers had to complete a clean marina checklist and develop an action plan to meet the program’s goals.

The checklist is extensive, and contains specific requirements for sewage management; fuel management; solid waste and petroleum recycling and disposal; vessel operation, maintenance and repair; marina siting, design and maintenance; storm water management and erosion control; and public education and water safety.

According to Kevin Salvilla, Center Hill Lake Natural Resource manager, the marina accomplished all checklist items and demonstrated a willingness to protect and preserve the water and environment at Dale Hollow Lake.

“This is a great day and I want to thank Mr. Seilback and his staff,” said Salvilla. “Hurricane Creek Marina has now completed all the necessary requirements and excelled in proactive clean boating outreach with marina patrons and visitors and that is a great accomplishment.”

After raising the “Clean Marina” flag, Seilbeck said it has been a group effort and they are proud of the effort of their entire staff to get the work done over the past few months to be certified and honored during the ceremony.

“I know we have done a lot of work out here at Hurricane Creek Marina,” Seilbeck said. “We have come a long ways from when we purchased the place in 2005. A lot of you in the group today can probably remember the marina… what it was a few years ago… and the things we have done to make it what it is today.”

Seilbeck said he is grateful to the public and community for patronizing the marina. He said earning the coveted white flag is a “win-win” situation for the team because everyone benefits from having a great place to enjoy.

Hurricane Creek Marina is the second marina at Center Hill Lake to achieve this designation. Edgar Evins Marina is also a “Clean Marina.”

Eight marinas in the Nashville District have achieved this status that include Willow Grove, Sunset and Mitchell Creek at Dale Hollow Lake, Anchor High and Drakes Creek at Old Hickory Lake, and Buzzard Rock Resort and Marina at Lake Barkley.